Chief Illiniwek is more important than the NCAA

I guess you might call this a form of blackmail. What right does the NCAA have to impose this sanction? Is the NCAA supposed to be the guardian of political correctness? What about freedom of speech and expression? Most people in Illinois do not feel that Chief Illiniwek is degrading to the Indians. Shouldn't we be the decision-maker on this issue?

I have already written that I feel that Chief Illiniwek is not degrading to the Indians but, rather, is a tribute to the Indian people. I never see anyone laughing at him when he does his ceremonial dance at halftime during football and basketball games at Illinois. To me he represents a dignified Indian unlike Chief Wahoo of the Cleveland Indians.

Now is the time for someone to take a stand against the NCAA and their biased and unfair decisions. What better school to take a stand against the NCAA than Illinois. The school has been hit hard by NCAA sanctions in the past over recruiting rules. However, I can't believe that they have been any more aggressive in their recruiting than other Big Ten schools. In addition, the University of Illinois is steeped in tradition playing in the most beautiful football stadium in the country. The school originated the homecoming game and produced the first great collegiate running back in football in Red Grange whose tremendous running skills in the newly built Memorial Stadium in the 1920's made him as famous as Babe Ruth who built Yankee Stadium. To have Slippery Rock State Teachers College stand up against the NCAA is one thing, to have Illinois stand up to them would be very significant indeed.

What are the ramifications of this decision. First of all, some alumni may discontinue giving money to the athletic program and it will be harder to attract good atheletes who want to be able to play in tournaments. Conversely, other alumni may discontinue giving if the Chief is eliminated. In any case, it is probable that the quality of the teams will suffer. It may come to the point where the only athletes who come to Illinois are those who want a first rate education and are smart enough to graduate. In addition, the school may not be able to attract high powered coaches and in the process save the university $1 million dollars a year in salary and incentives. I believe, however, that Illinois will still be able to produce competitive teams nothwithstanding its ban from NCAA tournaments and I believe Illinois fans will continue to support the Illini. I know that I will support them more fervently with Chief Illiniwek than without.

Political correctness is running amuk in our country and it must be reigned in before it paralyzes our economic and social systems. It is important that the University of Illinois retain its autonomy in making decisions and not allow the NCAA to be the driving force behind school policy. More importantly, however, we must realize that the foremost function of the premier state school in Illinois is to educate. To succumb to the demands of the NCAA in order to avoid degrading the quality of the athletic program is contrary to the tenet of freedom of speech and places the importance of athletics on par with education itself.

For the United States to remain competitive in the global economy we need to rethink and reshape our whole educational system from the university level on down to the elementary level. Reducing the emphasis on sports in our educational institutions is the first step down that path. I am more concerned about the quality of education at my alma mater than I am of their athletic program. And I will be especially proud if Illinois can become known as the university that led to the toppling of the NCAA from its high and mighty berth.